ABSTRACT
Background: Healthcare professionals can experience problems regarding mental health and emotional well-being (e.g. burnout) at a higher degree compared to their non-physician counterparts. Fear of stigma is often a barrier to seeking treatment among physicians. However, there is a shortage of studies related to mental health and treatment seeking among trainees and medical students. Objectives: This study sought to examine mental health in U.S. medical students, factors contributing to mental health symptoms, and obstacles to seeking treatment. Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a confidential survey sent out in fall 2021, with 510 U.S. medical student participants. This survey included scales to assess depression (the Patient Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), past year symptoms of hazardous drinking (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), and past 30-day binge drinking days. The survey also included free-response questions about their reasons for seeking mental health care if they did (facilitators) and any barriers that kept them from seeking treatment. Results: About one-quarter of participants met criteria for possible depressive (24%) or anxiety disorders (24%); 9% of the sample drank at hazardous drinking levels. Between 47% and 60% of those who screened positive for depression, anxiety, or hazardous drinking reported an unmet need for mental health services. Anxiety and depression were cited as the most common reasons to seek treatment; concerns about stigma from peers and professional retaliation were notable for being barriers to treatment. Conclusion: Our sample of medical students reported notable prevalence of probable depression or anxiety disorder, while also reporting needing more support to improve their mental health. Despite this, barriers exist that may discourage medical students from seeking needed treatments. Findings from this study aim to encourage discussion and positive change in the healthcare community regarding perception and attitudes toward mental health and substance use treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background: In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average risk adults have regular CRC screening to detect and prevent CRC. Despite published CRC screening guidelines, national CRC screening rates remain suboptimal. With the exponential increase in technology use and device ownership, many mobile health applications (apps) have been developed to improve health outcomes. There is great potential for smartphone or tablet apps to help improve CRC screening uptake, with the ultimate goal of reducing CRC morbidity and mortality. To date, there are no systematic reviews that have examined the publicly available, free apps that are related to CRC screening, and therefore, the quality and the content of these apps remain unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically review smartphone and tablet apps that could be used to improve CRC screening uptake. Methods: Apps available on the Google Play and Apple App stores that were compatible with smartphones and tablets were reviewed. Of the 2,790 apps reviewed, 20 met inclusion criteria. Results: Of the 20 apps that met inclusion criteria, most were informational in nature. Approximately half of the apps focused on colonoscopies and did not discuss other CRC screening options. Furthermore, more than half of the apps did not include video/audio content and the majority of the apps did not provide navigation support (e.g., reminders, instructions, maps). Conclusions: There are multiple free, publicly available apps that may encourage CRC screening uptake. Despite their promise, there is a paucity of empirical evidence evaluating the efficacy and usability of these apps. Future research efforts can evaluate the content, usability, accessibility, and potential impact of these apps.
